Outside the old brick building, Boston was cooling as the calendar turned to Autumn; September and the New England Fall slowly settling in. The three incoming freshman boys had arrived this morning as part of a new class of international students being welcomed to the Forsyth Men’s School. The school welcomed a class of just 30 incoming freshman each year, but three received a full scholarship that covered the nearly six figure tuition, room, and board.
While the other 27 freshmen each year comprised the sons of politicians, donors, and other families with wealthy ties, three spots were reserved in Suite 10 for the elite trio selected purely based on the merit of their intellect, impact, and potential. With over 25,000 applicants annually, to be one of the three was an honor that itself would guarantee world-class jobs after graduation, regardless of how the four years played out.
Frederik, Dev, and Leo slowly unpacked their things across the three beds tucked into each corner of the quad, each of them focused on organizing their lives for the next year in relative silence. Each room at the school had traditionally been a quad from when the school admitted 40 students per year. Now down to just 30 in each graduating class, the rooms had been transformed to accommodate three beds plus a large couch in the fourth corner.
Frederik was meticulous in how he unpacked his things, carefully unboxing clothes and picture frames of his family. One of his biggest concerns coming into school had been on how he'd fit into living with others from very different backgrounds. His upbringing had been on the stricter side, with his parents expecting academic excellence every step of the way. His wardrobe largely consisted of sweaters, darker colored jeans and pants, and nicer jackets; all of which would translate well from Denmark to Boston from a weather and style perspective.
As he unpacked suitcases of linen pants, eclectic button downs, and v-neck shirts, Leo was quickly realizing that he may be unprepared for the coming cold of the harsher New England winter. He glanced over to Frederik and eyed up his frame, trying to gauge if he might be able to fit into some of his sweaters in an emergency snow situation. In doing so, he considered whether his new roommates would be similar to his friends back in Spain who were willing to share clothes, food, and just about anything; he hoped his new friends here would be just as unpretentious.
Dev had the fewest suitcases with him of the three. Packed tightly into his bags were mostly a series of plain, well-fitting tees, athletic shorts, and jeans. He couldn't even imagine the concept of preparing for changing seasons over the course of a school year, and only just bought his first jacket en route to the States. Like Frederik, he'd brought a number of small items to remind him of home; picture frames, small model sets of famous landmarks that his aunt and uncle had given him from their travels, and a necklace his mom had made for him before he left.
After arriving on various international flights that morning and unpacking all day, they finally paused at 8:00 for food breaks and to relax for the night.
“So amigos,” Leo kicked off, mixing in his native Spanish language, “where are you from?”
Dev brushed his jet black, tall, wavy hair, to the side, “India! My whole life; this is my first time outside the country.” He stood at just 5’8” (172cm), and had a small but toned frame from hard work in his parents’ home. He was excited for the adventure of being in Boston and was ready to embrace a ‘say yes to everything’ attitude being on the other side of the world.
“Perfecto, I’ve been dying to go!” Leo responded, “I’m from Madrid but spend my Summers in Northern Italy with my Uncle’s family.”
Leo had a light shadow of facial hair across his face that led up to messy brown hair that was parted in the middle. He had dark brown eyes and a gaze that seemed to pierce the soul. His skin was deeply tanned from growing up in southern Spain. He was 5’11” (180cm) of toned, hard, muscle; not bulky, but much stronger looking than Dev’s smaller frame. He easily could’ve modeled professionally.
“That’s really far to come, do you miss your family?” Frederik, quieter than the other two, was already feeling homesick; far outside of his comfort zone in a new country speaking a language he was less comfortable with than his native Danish.
“Not at all! I’m so excited to be here! I want the full experience!” Dev was practically bouncing off the walls. “Where are you from Fred? Do you go by Fred?”
Frederik curled his lip, considering whether he should embrace a new nickname for the sake of making a quick, new friend but decided against it, staying true to himself. “Nah, just Frederik if that’s okay. I’m from Denmark. My first time in the States too.”
He had a mysterious boyish charm, with combed over blonde hair and blue eyes. His skin seemed soft in a way that matched his shyer demeanor. At 5’9” (175cm) his height was in between his two roommates but he was by far the slimmest of the trio, and pale from the cold Nordic Winters. He'd grown up in a wealthier suburb, Charlottenlund, that was just north of Copenhagen, and his parents had held him to a high standard of success since birth.
Leo, who was clearly ready to embrace the role as their leader, leaned back on his bed and stretched his long legs out. “So what do you think of America so far? How was day one?” he asked with a playful glint in his dark eyes. He gestured towards the window, which framed a view of the quad, flush with trees beginning to change color.
Dev’s eyes lit up. “It’s amazing! I can’t wait to meet the other guys in our class!”
Frederik felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. He cursed his parents for how they'd isolated him in private schools, tutoring sessions, and volunteer work, feeling out of place trying to make new friends. “It’s different. Classes start in two days so I’m just hoping to settle in and adjust to the time change by then.”
Leo shot him a look that was not unkind, but deeply perceptive. He saw the homesickness radiating from his new roommate. “We’re in this together! We have each others' backs!"
"Are you guys nervous at all to be using English so much?" Dev asked.
Leo shrugged, "eh, spending time all over Europe, I've already been doing it most of my life. It's that American slang that I'm worried about fucking up..."
"My parents made me speak it at home the last year to prepare for this..." Frederik said, "we learned it in school all my life so it's fine. You guys ever live with roommates before?"
"First time!" Leo sprang up, "built in amigos!"
Dev smiled, "just my brothers. I think should be different and a little easier."
As the guys continued getting to know each other, a knock rang out on their door followed by it springing open, with three older guys barging in.
“Hello boys!!! Welcome!” A 6’4” ginger with big, messy red hair raised his arms in a figurative welcoming embrace to the three of them, beaming a big bright smile from ear to ear under blue-ish green eyes that seemed ghoulish with charm. Leo made an immediate mental note of the freckles that dotted his pale cheeks and his thick Irish accent.
“I’m Kieran! We were you boys three years ago! Came for the annual tradition to welcome you to our old room!” He walked around the room shaking each of the 18 year olds’ hands. Behind him walked in two quieter men.
“I’m Adam, pleasure meeting you,” a dark skinned guy with short hair, light facial hair, and a strong jawline said in an English accent. He was also tall at 6’1” with defined biceps that stretched his shirt.
“Sup. Brett.” A 6’1” All American looking guy with Disney channel style features stepped in last, a cocky grin on his face. He had a huge smile with wavy hair parted to the left, perfectly styled and holding its form as he moved. Dev noticed that he seemed strong, with large biceps and a strong chest, but that he looked softer than Leo or Adam. As if he hit the gym just as much as they did but had a few more beers over his three years here than Adam had.
Kieran, Brett, and Adam, the welcoming committee and former full scholarship guys who were now starting their senior year at 21 years old, stood grinning at the three freshmen – Dev, Leo, and Frederik – who looked like deer caught in headlights, confused as to how these strangers had been able to burst into their new home.
“How did you get in here? Wasn’t the door locked?” Frederik seemed to be the only one nervous at the bigger group now interrupting what he’d hoped would be a quiet night.
“It’s tradition to keep a key all four years.” Adam responded calmly.
“Congratulations on getting here! We know how hard it is!” Kieran began, his Irish accent still thick and comforting, “so. Welcome to Forsyth. Tradition dictates we break the ice properly for you special three on night one!”
Brett, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk playing on his lips, chimed in, "And by 'properly,' he means ripping the bandaid off and welcoming you newbies to the club.”
Adam, with a much more calming presence, offered a reassuring smile. "It's just a game, guys. Just a way to get to know each other. You can back out at any time if you want to.”
The three freshmen looked between each other, Leo intrigued, Dev excited, and Frederik shaking with nerves.
“BUT,” Brett pushed himself off the doorframe. “No restrictions. If you’re playing, you’re playing. That’s the tradition. And it’s never been broken so we aren’t gonna let it stop now.”
Frederik swallowed hard, his eyes darting between the older boys. "No rules? No restrictions?"
“None. I thought it was gay as fuck when I started here, but it’s tradition and you bond really quick.” Brett smirked again.
“Gay?” Dev turned his head, confused.
Kieran spoke again, trying to assuage the anxiety of the younger guys, “look guys it’s just truth or are…but without rules. No restrictions. Whatever truth is asked, you answer honestly. Whatever dare is given, you do it. Period. You can still back out of the game at any time. The point is to get everything out in the open, leave no room for secrets, and just become totally comfortable with each other…fast. No matter where it takes you. And it stays amongst the group of guys in our positions forever.”
“You can back out but you’re a huge bitch if you do!” Brett added, shooting a glare at his fellow seniors.
A beat of silence hung in the air. Dev was even more interested and ready to branch out of his comfort zone, Leo’s eyes darted between the other five guys, eyeing them up, and Frederik still looked like he might be sick.
“Ready? It’s best to just dive in headfirst,” Adam pulled off a backpack and took a bottle of vodka out of it, pouring six heavy pours into cups and passing them around. The three freshmen downed theirs quickly, each looking for some liquid courage and adrenaline.
Kieran gestured theatrically. “I’ll start. Adam, truth or dare? We’ll show you boys how it’s done,” he moved to sit on Frederik’s bed next to him as he started, sensing the Dane’s nerves and hoping his closer presence might calm him down.
Adam considered for a moment. "Truth."
"Alright," Kieran said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done with a girl?"
Adam chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "A little bit of water sports, mate!”
The room erupted in laughter, even Frederik breathing out a small chuckle, easing the tension in the room slightly. Adam turned to Leo, “see? Easy!"
“Wait...who goes next?” Dev asked to no one in particular, looking around the room.
“Whoever was just picked, man...” Brett answered bluntly, as if it was the dumbest question he’d ever heard.
“Leo,” Adam turned to the Spaniard, the two of them the most toned and muscularly framed guys in the room.
“Truth.” Leo responded.
“Guys or girls?” A hush came over the room at the spotlight on him.
“For what?” Dev asked, naively confused at the question.
Brett again rolled his eyes, "are you three the most sheltered people in your entire countries?!"
Leo grinned, understanding the question. “Both,” he took a swig of his drink, unabashed in his response, “but only been with girls…so far.”
Kieran and Adam both nodded in response. Frederik and Dev immediately swung their heads towards their new roommate, realizing that he’d essentially just come out as bisexual.
For Dev, especially, the concept was something he was less familiar with, "wait really? Like...actually?"
"Sí! Really, really!"
“Your turn!” Leo asked
Dev seemed confused. “Huh? OH. Uh…truth.”
“Same question, amigo!" Leo beamed.
Dev froze. Suddenly his eagerness to be adventurous hit a brick wall of anxiety. He thought about his response. He'd never regretted anything he'd ever tried in life, always wanting to be the kinda guy who said yes to things and experienced what the world had to offer. His upbringing hadn't offered him as many opportunities as he'd hoped for to meet different kinds of people, which was his biggest draw in flying halfway around the globe for school. He took a deep breath, “Girls. But…I’m here in a new place, with new people, so if something happens…so be it.”
The three older guys, even Brett, raised their eyebrows and smirked, admiring Dev for his honesty and openness.
“Trying new things will take you far here! That's the spirit!” Kieran grinned at him. Dev smiled back, proud of himself for at least pretending to be brave. Whether or not he'd actually be able to follow through if presented the opportunity was a completely different story.
From there, they went essentially in a circle following Adam’s original lead and putting each guy on the spot, Kieran proudly stating he was gay, Adam saying bi ‘since coming to school here (which earned an eyebrow raise from Leo), Frederik quietly responding ‘straight’ without the similar pledge of openness that Dev had expressed, and Brett answering ‘straight’ as if it should’ve been obvious.
Kieran studied the looks on the three freshmen faces across the room. They reminded him so much of Adam, Kieran, and Brett during their first weekend three years ago. They had come from polar opposite ends of every spectrum imaginable; personality, country, sexuality; and yet, over time, they fed off each other's energy and learned so much more about themselves because of it. He could already see the lines and molds of each freshman's current mindset and behavior; and how they'd end up blurring each other into growing into the best versions they could be, together.
Brett started off the next round and pointed at Dev, “what’s your number?”
“My what?” Dev shook his head, confused.
“He means how many people you’ve fucked,” Adam added, shooting Brett an annoyed look at his determined intention to corner the least street smart amongst them every chance he had.
“Oh…” Dev looked down at his hands. His face flushed slightly. “Zero. I have never uhhh…with anyone.” He looked up, a flicker of vulnerability mixed with something that looked like eager anticipation in his eyes. “So uh…I’m excited to…uh have fun.”
Leo’s eyes widened slightly at Dev’s frankness, before he grinned. “Brave, Dev! We will get you laid!” The young Indian guy smiled over to him, already looking to his Spanish roommate as a mentor.
“Okay same question to you Leo,” Dev pointed at him, skipping the ‘truth or dare’ question.
“6.” He wasted no time in responding before pointing at Adam. At this point, it was obvious the same question would continue.
“8. 6 girls, 2 guys,” Adam snuck a quick, subtle glance between Brett and Kieran. The tall ginger laid back slightly on Frederik’s bed and smirked back at him. All six guys noticed the look and all six of them were able to deduce what it likely meant. Frederik and Dev let out audible gulps at what it might suggest about the direction of the game.
“Kieran?” Leo asked, targeting the tall, devilish ginger who he’d been quickly infatuated by.
“28.”
“28!?” Leo choked on his drink and started coughing, “what?!”
Kieran giggled and struck an adorable, mischievous, smile, with an exaggerated shrug, his huge messy hair bouncing around on his head. Kieran painted at Brett and raised his eyebrows twice, knowing what was coming.
“Like 40 something.” Brett’s lips curled up on the edges, showing off his arrogance.
Dev, Leo, and Frederik looked between each other in awe.
“How many guys in there, mate?” Adam asked, pushing Brett’s buttons.
“Fuck off.” The straight Nebraskan snorted back, without directly answering his question.
“Guess that just leaves you little guy,” Brett pointed at Frederik, who seemed smaller than the rest of them despite being taller than Dev, because his slim frame and shy energy.
“Uhh…one. My girlfriend.” He seemed to shrink, embarrassed to have the attention on him.
“Aw that’s awesome man,” Kieran threw an arm around Frederik, again trying to help him loosen up. Frederik felt slightly uncomfortable with the tall gay guy getting cozy with him but it was far outweighed by his appreciation for someone clearly trying to look out for him in this strange situation tonight. The tension in his muscles eased a bit again and he let himself rest his head into Keiran’s shoulder before the redhead pulled his arm back.
“That relationship won’t last long now that you’re at school.” Brett laughed.
“Brett come on mate.” Adam shook his head and threw his hands up.
“Chill bro….okay, enough small shit, let’s get this going already,” Brett clapped his hands and moved to sit on the edge of Leo’s bed. Adam followed suit and took a place next to Dev.
“Alright, numbers are out,” Kieran announced. “Now for the fun part.” He pushed himself up to sit cross-legged on Frederik’s bed. “I’m going next. Brett, truth or dare?”
Brett grinned, leaning back on Leo’s bed, taking up most of the space. “Dare.”
Kieran’s blue-green eyes sparkled with mischief. “Okay, big man. Since you're so keen on showing the newbies how it’s done...I dare you to kiss the person you find most intimidating in this room. On the mouth. Ten seconds.”
Dev’s breath hitched. His gaze darted around the room. Leo sat up, even more intrigued now on where things were going.
Frederik’s anxiety immediately rushed back as he let out an audible gulp. “You said you’re straight though?”
“No rules, no restrictions.” Adam calmly expressed, not harshly, but sternly setting the stakes, “mostly. Obviously if you’re not okay with something, no one is going to force you…”
Frederik gave a quick nod, wanting to fit in and understanding he should be ready to expand his boundaries if he wanted to bond with his new friends.
Brett’s smirk didn’t falter, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned the faces. His gaze lingered on Adam for a fraction of a second, then shifted to Leo. Dev braced himself. Frederik looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole.
Finally, Brett met Leo’s intense gaze next to him. “Alright, Spaniard. No one intimidates me but you’ve objectively got this intensity thing going on. Come here.”
Leo didn’t hesitate, licking his lips. They sat face to face, inches apart. Adam watched with a faint smile. Kieran vibrated with anticipation and emerging horniness. Dev felt a strange pull of fascination, and Frederik tried to look away.
Brett reached out, cupping Leo’s face with one hand, and pulled him forward. Their lips met, Brett catching Leo off guard by immediately diving his tongue into the younger guy’s mouth. This wasn’t about being sensual or just addressing the dare, Brett wanted the freshman to remember him. He bit down hard on Leo’s lip, eliciting a soft moan. Brett tilted his head, deepening the kiss, as Leo responded more hungrily and raised his hand to rest on Brett’s thick arm. Ten seconds passed in a blur, the soft sounds of their lips connecting filling the room.
“Ten seconds,” Kieran chirped, checking his imaginary watch. “Nicely done, gents. Especially for the ‘straight’ one.” He made air quotes with his hands to tease Brett as he winked over at Dev.
When they broke apart, Brett was smirking, cocky and feeling himself from his performance for the group. He knew he’d gotten a response from Leo and that the younger guy would now be clamoring for more. Leo’s expression was harder to read – still intense, but his heart rate now elevated after kissing a man for the first time in his life. It had, without a doubt, confirmed for him that he was, in fact, bi.
Brett ignored him, breaking their gaze quickly and moving on. He ran a hand through his styled hair. “My turn.”
He turned to face the group, his eyes sweeping over them. He landed on Frederik. Frederik, who had been looking anywhere but at him, flinched slightly as Brett’s intimidating gaze settled on him.
“Freddy,” Brett said, his voice low and steady. “Truth or dare?” He emphasized the latter, suggestively, to the young Dane.
Frederik swallowed hard. Dev felt a pang of sympathy for him. He looked at Kieran sitting next to him, who offered a gentle nod of encouragement. He looked at Adam, who gave him a small, reassuring smile. His eyes turned to Brett, who waited, arms crossed.
“Dare,” Frederik whispered, barely audible.
A wave of surprise went through Dev. He expected Frederik to say Truth every time. Adam’s smile widened slightly. Kieran grinned broadly. Even Brett looked mildly impressed. Frederik’s cheeks were bright red, but there was a new, tiny spark of determination in his blue eyes.
Brett nodded slowly, a flicker of respect in his gaze. “Okay, Frederik. Take off your shirt.” The All American guy knew he could break things wide open but that for now he needed to take it slow. The more time it took to get to where the senior wanted to end up, the higher the chances that everyone would stay in the whole time.
Silence followed. It wasn’t the most extreme dare thus far, not compared to the kiss, but for Frederik, it still felt like a lot. His eyes widened, darting from Brett to his shirt, then to Dev. It was just a simple t-shirt, but the thought of starting to undress with eyeballs glued to him made him queasy.
“Just my shirt?” Frederik asked, his voice still quiet.
“Just your shirt,” Kieran confirmed before Brett could respond, a hint of softness in his tone. “For the rest of the game, or until someone dares you to put it back on.”
Frederik hesitated for another long moment. He looked at Kieran, who was still smiling warmly, “okay that seems easy enough…”
Slowly, his fingers went to the hem of his t-shirt. He pulled it up, his gaze fixed on the floor. The fabric clung briefly before his head emerged. He pulled his arms free, holding the folded shirt against his chest for a moment before letting it fall onto the bed beside him.
He sat with his shoulders slightly slumped. His chest was hairless and pale, his ribs faintly visible. He was clearly uncomfortable, but he told himself it was no different than going to the pool with his friends, despite the more intimate setting here.
“There you go, man,” Kieran said gently, reaching out to clap him lightly on his bare shoulder. “See? Not so bad.”
Frederik flinched at the older, bigger guy’s touch, which Kieran took mental note of. Brett watched the two of them interact, his expression unreadable.
Frederik managed a small, shaky smile. “Okay,” he breathed, still looking down.
“Your turn, Frederik,” Leo prompted softly.
Frederik looked up, his eyes scanning the room again. He seemed to gain a tiny bit of confidence from having completed the dare. His gaze stopped on Dev. Dev felt a familiar flutter of nerves and excitement.
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